Service-Research Relationships

The Investigation of Predatory Mortgage Lending and Housing Quality

Outcomes in St. Clair County, Illinois

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, East St. Louis Action Research Project

Lynne Dearborn and Kevin Rodenkirch

Housing Quality Issues for the Victims of Predatory Lending

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

I. Subsurface Conditions

II. Plumbing and Waste

III. Electrical

IV. Enclosure and Roof

V. Living Conditions that Impact the Quality of Life

VI. Work Completed in St. Clair County

VII. Evaluation Process

VIII. Results Used in Service to Community Partner

I. Subsurface Conditions

A. Foundation

1. Settling

2. Buckling

3. Cracking

B. Water Infiltration

1. Moisture and Standing Water

2. Mold and Mildew

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

II. Plumbing and Waste

A. Missing or Broken Fixtures

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

II. Plumbing and Waste

A. Missing or Broken Fixtures

B. Improper Waste Disposal

1. Drainage into other parts of house

2. Waste lines empty into yard

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

III. Electrical

A. Main Electrical Service is Outdated

B. High Amount of Exposed Wiring

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

III. Electrical

A. Main Electrical Service is Outdated

B. High Amount of Exposed Wiring

C. Unsafe Outlets and Fixtures

1. Unsafe connections

2. Broken or exposed fixtures

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

IV. Enclosure and Roof

A. Siding is Often Missing or Rotting

B. Mortar Deteriorating or Missing Within Brickwork

C. Insulation Often Missing or Inadequate

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

IV. Enclosure and Roof

A. Wood Siding is Often Missing or Rotting

B. Insulation Often Missing or Inadequate

C. Mortar Deteriorating or Missing Within Brickwork

D. Roof Problems

1. High amount of water infiltration

2. Missing shingles replaced with tarps

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

IV. Enclosure and Roof

A. Wood Siding is Often Missing or Rotting

B. Insulation Often Missing or Inadequate

C. Mortar Deteriorating or Missing Within Brickwork

D. Roof Problems

1. High amount of water infiltration

2. Missing shingles replaced with tarps

3. Missing flashing around roof penetrations

4. Drip edges, gutters, and downspouts often missing

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

V. Impacts on Quality of Life

A. High Air and Water Infiltration

B. Highly worn materials

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

V. Impacts on Quality of Life

A. High Air and Water Infiltration

B. Highly worn materials

C. Unusable Mechanical Equipment

D. Insect and Pest Infestation

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

VI. Work Completed

A. Low Quality Workmanship

1. Roofing

2. Tuckpointing

3. Plumbing

Findings from the Investigations of Housing Quality

VII. Evaluation Process

A. Thorough and Systematic Assessment of the Property

Our Role in East St. Louis

VII. Evaluation Process

A. Thorough and Systematic Assessment of the Property

B. Generate a List of Construction Tasks

Our Role in East St. Louis

VII. Evaluation Process

A. Thorough and Systematic Assessment of the Property

B. Generate a List of Construction Tasks

C. Generate a Construction Cost Estimate

Our Role in East St. Louis

A. Analysis used as the basis of expert testimony in class action lawsuit to compensate victims by providing improved living conditions

B. Reasonable renovation costs will significantly improve basic housing quality and code compliance: Monetary compensation to complete the work is recommended.

C. Cost of renovation > Value of House after Renovation: Demolish is recommended

D. In the case of poor work completed – rework is required

Our Role in East St. Louis

VIII. Results Used in Service to Community Partner